Over the years society has built a staircase of facilities, programs and services to assist them make the climb. 

Some, like kindergartens, schools, apprenticeships and universities have survived, adapted and grown, whilst others flourished for a period then faded into history.

This, unfortunately, leaves gaps in the staircase, making it difficult for many young people to progress and achieve their potential. 

Would it not then be prudent, as a community, to examine closely this staircase, catalogue all of the necessary steps, identify the successful ones which are already in place, highlighting the gaps and build effective, sustainable programs to bridge them. 

Central Grampians LLEN is currently developing the Staircase Initiative that could begin with in depth mapping of the locally available programs and services, identification of the gaps, sourcing and implementation of suitable programs to address the shortfalls. 

Let’s consider one very early, but vital step - early years literacy which is an identified issue in our community. 

Talk to any primary school teacher or principal and you will be amazed at how many children turn up for their first day at school with absolutely no reading skills at all.

They may have never even picked up a book.

There can be many reasons for this, but consider the implications for that young child.

They are already behind, may struggle to catch up, (if they ever do), and could begin their education feeling that they are not as ‘smart’ as their classmates.

The repercussions could be with them for the rest of their lives.

One of the first steps in the staircase should be a program to assist parents of children from birth to six year olds become comfortable reading to their children.

This could be implemented across the whole region for surprisingly little cost.

This is only one example of a gap in the developmental journey facing our youth.

Much is made of the disadvantages facing young people growing up in a rural environment.

However, as one who chose this region in which to raise a family, I think we often overlooked advantages.

In this case, the capacity for working collaboratively and economically to deliver local solutions for local issues.

CEO, CGLLEN